Mexico, France Agree to Strengthen Cooperation in Agriculture

Víctor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), and Jean-Pierre Asvazadourian, French Ambassador to Mexico, committed to strengthen technical-scientific cooperation in the agri-food field between the two countries. 

On March 27, 2023, Villalobos and Asvazadourian held a meeting to review progress and projections in the agribusiness sector, focused on sustainable practices. During the meeting, they agreed to promote sustainable coffee and oil palm crops and access to resistant grape varieties for wine. 

Villalobos pointed out that there is an important link between the two countries, which has boosted the development of productive and sustainable agri-food projects in the south of Mexico. “In addition to the sustainable production of palm oil in Campeche and Tabasco, this alliance has benefited small coffee producers in Chiapas and Oaxaca.” This cooperation agreement has also driven the development of projects related to geographical indications, viticulture and fight against antimicrobial resistance, among others.

In Mexico, 16 states are wine producers, so proper water and soil management are determinant for this sector. “This is why it is important to maintain and strengthen the link with France, Italy and Spain on issues of sustainable productivity and market exploration,” Villalobos said. He highlighted that the 43rd World Vine and Wine Congress, held in Ensenada during 2022, helped to finalize scientific-technical and commercial alliances with other countries. Asvazadourian agreed that the congress marked a turning point in the cooperation between the two countries.

Diplomats also discussed the possibility of opening new research lines on sargassum management. According to Villalobos, there are relevant scientific studies on sargassum’s nature and behavior, as well as advances on possible uses, such as the production of construction blocks. He added that getting financial support from international organizations to fund more research on the use of the algae as a raw material is also a possibility.

The bilateral relationship between SADER and the French Agency for Development (AFD) has potential to develop projects on topics of mutual interest including ocean conservation, responsible fishing and agroecology promotion in the short term. Villalobos underscored the importance of reactivating the marine shelters program to strengthen the protection of marine species, resources and the practice of responsible and sustainable fishing. Meanwhile, Asvazadourian pointed out that Mexico has done outstanding work on ocean protection and sustainable fishing production.